Member serves as a mentor for adults with I/DD/MH, specifically with students participating in the On Campus Transition Program at the University of North Florida. Members work one on one with students while they audit UNF classes and assist them in succeeding academically within parameters set by the program. The members are serving in partnership with The Arc Jacksonville and agree to abide by the mission & vision of the agency.
Service Activities
• Meet with the on-site supervisor and OCT students to assist in creating academic goals for each course, as well as general remedial academic enhancement goals
• Assist the on-site supervisor in modifying and customizing course syllabi according to student’s goals
• Assist students who are registered with the UNF’s Disability Resource Center (DRC) in utilizing the services of the DRC, including assistive technology
• Create academic curriculum and trainings for the purpose of enhancing academic skills
• Conduct weekly meetings with each student to evaluate progress and provide strategies to enhance academic performance
• Mentor students to achieve academic organizational and time management skills (i.e., maintain a daily planner; track due dates for academic assignments, exams, meetings with academic mentors; and how to incorporate study time into one’s schedule)
• Mentor students to become self-sufficient in actively checking their UNF Blackboard (i.e., course updates, assignments, PowerPoint presentations, discussion boards, etc.), UNF email, and general computer skills
• Provide guidance and training in proper communication methods (e.g., email, phone, in person) with professors and classmate (e.g., etiquette, social cues.)
• Regularly meet with academic mentors to discuss student’s academic performance and goal achievement
• Communicate regularly with AmeriCorps Mentor Recruiters to discuss approaches to enhance mentoring relationships between academic mentors and students
• Maintain weekly meetings with on-site supervisor to discuss students’ academic progress
• Initially attend students’ group project meetings to assist student in becoming an active and contributing group member. Provide student’s project group members with advice on how to utilize the student’s strengths and increase their accountability as a group member
• Identify and develop partnerships with campus resources (i.e., Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) to provide additional academic support)
Community Need Addressed
In Jacksonville, adults with I/DD/MH lack essential skills: social, educational, health/wellness, work readiness, independent living, and self-determination, which are necessary to become independent and contributing members of society. Poor outcomes are often the result of I/DD/MH populations being grossly underserved during critical educational experiences, and
insufficient opportunities to experientially learn different aspects of independent living (fitness, nutrition, social skills).
Position Outcomes
The Project provides 1:1 and small group mentoring to individuals participating in the On Campus Transition Program at the University of North Florida. Academic Advising Mentors assist students in navigating their academic commitments and succeeding within their program of study. Mentors assist students in increasing their skills in time management, organization, and communication.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma, Credential or Certification
CPR, First Aid, Mental Health First Aid
Skills you will gain
Leadership, communication strategies, lesson plan development, active listening, time management, problem solving, interpersonal skills, and transferable skills.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment